Remember a tornado is a destructive vortex of air, clouds, and debris that is on the ground.
In order to form you need a combination of moisture, lift, and spin. Typically strong upper-level winds (shear) provide lift along with surface heating. The difference in the winds also creates a rotation in the horizontal.
When a rising updraft of air forms it bends that rotation into the vertical. As the storm spins, a smaller piece of the storm will drop down out of the clouds from a base or wall cloud. The smaller cloud focuses that spin on a small area. This cloud is called a funnel cloud if it stays in the air. Once it reaches the ground it becomes a tornado. Then the winds can cause destruction.
Winds in a tornado can range from 65 mph (EF-0) up to over 200mph (EF-5). These powerful winds can do damage to trees, homes, and other structures. Wind speeds are determined by the National Weather Service. They will do a survey (if needed) over a damaged area.
Tornado Watches and Warnings are issued to alert you to the threat of a tornado. However, there may not always be a WATCH before a WARNING. It’s important to know the difference between the two as well.
If you are home and there is a tornado warning, then get to the lowest floor of your home. Go to a room that is away from the outer walls. A bathroom is best. Especially if you have a sturdy bathtub. However, a closet or utility room is also a good place.
